Your Stories 2189

Our Family

We are Michael Bauer and Roger Simon, residents of Chicago, and we had our first date on March 13, 1982. A month later, we moved in together and have been life partners ever since.

As a gay male, I believe that getting tested for HIV/AIDS is important. Before I was diagnosed, nothing indicated that I should be concerned about having it. It was simply time. A week later, I got a call on a Wednesday afternoon while at work.

On becoming an HIV/AIDS survivor

My status has always been a head-scratcher for my doctors. After being diagnosed six years ago with HIV, my body has not been following the program. My blood work was always good and my viral load always undetectable. What makes this all the more interesting is that I'm not on any type of medication.

Being by his side

Earlier this year, Bill and I went to New Orleans for an annual weeklong get-together with friends from college. We all went to a restaurant for lunch. Bill is highly allergic to shellfish and it was made very clear to the waitress he could not have any food prepared with shellfish. Unfortunately, he had a severe reaction to a pasta dish with sauce we later found out contained crawfish. The restaurant was not prepared to react, so we rushed to a drug store to purchase some Benadryl.

Positively dating

I’m single again, HIV-positive and back on the dating scene. It’s been three years since I dated and almost seven since I dated with such confidence. But who is ready to honestly date me?

The person I count on

We had our first date 12 years ago. In September 1993, we had a commitment ceremony that was attended by 100 of our friends and family (my partner’s family), including our priest, who came without his collar and blessed our union. Since then, we have found out that he is gay.